The Rabbit Gulch WMA is bordered by multiple subdivided sections of "mini-ranches", oil well pads, and various other private properties. The existing fence around much of the WMA border is a t-post and barbed wire fence. It is easier for the bordering private property owners in certain locations to cut the WMA fence and make their own access road into their property instead of using their existing right of way. This is an illegal activity that diminishes the value of the WMA for wildlife use. Many of the bordering properties are bought sight-unseen and have no legal access other than foot or horseback. New property owners then contact UDWR expecting to obtain a right of way and they cannot. On several occasions, after denial, the property owner will proceed with constructing their own road across the WMA and the UDWR has pursued legal action and reclamation of the disturbed area. Over time, this activity has created a network of illegal roads and access points along portions of the WMA border that this project will address.

The Duchesne County Surveyor will perform the boundary survey, mark the border and section corners. A contractor will be hired to remove the existing non-functional fence and replace it with a drill pipe/succor rod type fence. This style of fencing has been used on other WMAs in Duchesne County with similar problems and has proven effective at stopping vandalism and illegal roads.

Threats to the property in absence of an upgraded fence include: habitat degradation beyond the point of reclamation, disturbance and displacement of wintering big game, spread of noxious weeds, a poor product that was invested in with sportsman's dollars, poor public image of UDWR WMAs. Displaced wintering big game will cause depredation issues on surrounding private agricultural lands.

Rabbit Gulch WMA Habitat Management Plan Management Goals A. Protect the existing resource for wildlife from deterioration with emphasis on critical big game winter range values. B. Enhance and improve existing habitat through vegetative manipulation projects, access management, and maintenance of fences and cattle guards.

N/A

Decrease in sediment going into the Starvation Reservoir Watershed as a result of illegal roads and the use of those roads.

Fence will be replaced along the existing fence line and will not require any clearances.

Fence will be constructed with 2 3/8" diameter steel drill pipe posts and top rail. The second and third rails will be lengths of succor rod held in place by clips on each post.

UDWR Habitat Section will monitor the fence for compliance to wildlife friendly design during construction. Fence will be monitored annually for maintenance needs.

Duchesne County Commissioners have been informed of our intentions to fence the border and are supportive. Private property owners in the affected area have been contacted and are aware of the project. The Duchesne County surveyor will perform the boundary survey and mark the border and section corners before construction. Dedicated Hunters will donate some of the construction materials.

Future maintenance needs will be performed by UDWR NER Habitat staff and Dedicated Hunters.

The fence will aid in the protection of the property to help maintain the wildlife values for which it was purchased.

09/09/2024

11/01/2024

2025

A private contractor was hired during the fall of 2025 to remove the 3,700' section of old wire fencing and replace it with a welded pipe fence design. The project took 4 weeks to complete and is already helping curb the encroachment/trespass issue on the WMA.

The Rabbit Gulch WMA is surrounded by small, private, subdivided, recreation lots. Over the past decade, use of these lots has become popular and many have illegally used the WMA to access their private property. The boundary fence was a simple t-post and wire fence that could be easily cut and removed to make room for illegal access. This illegal access has created resource problems that involve erosion, weeds, dust, and general increased traffic and disturbance. This well-fortified fence will help clearly define the WMA boundary and eliminate the trespass and illegal access issue.

Future maintenance needs will be performed by UDWR NER Habitat staff and Dedicated Hunters.